1.Effects of the luteolin-gadolinium complex on the inflammatory phenotype and tissue pathology in a mouse model of chronic urticaria
Surui A ; ; Enkhtur Ya ; Jihai Shi ; Dugarmaa U
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;94(4):13-16
Background:
Chronic urticaria (CU) is characterized by intense pruritus, wheals, and angioedema. Luteolin (Lut) is a natural flavonoid with anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic activities, however, its bioavailability is limited. Previous studies have shown that forming complexes between flavonoids and metal ions can improve their physicochemical and biological properties and enhance therapeutic efficacy through synergistic effects. Therefore, the luteolin-gadolinium (Lut-Gd) complex provides a theoretical basis for further investigation as a potentially more potent anti-inflammatory agent compared with Lut.
Aim:
To evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects and safety of the Lut-Gd complex in a mouse model of CU in comparison with Lut.
Materials and Methods:
A chronic urticaria model was established in C57BL/6 mice using ovalbumin (OVA) and aluminum hydroxide, followed by treatment with Lut or Lut-Gd for 14 days. Scratching behavior and histopathological changes were evaluated.
Results:
In the model group, scratching behavior was significantly increased, and dermal edema, disruption of collagen structure, and inflammatory cell infiltration were observed in skin tissue. These changes were attenuated after Lut and Lut-Gd treatment, with a statistically significant improvement in the Lut-Gd group. Lut-Gd reduced scratching frequency by 45–50%, which was 20% greater than that in the Lut group. No pathological morphological changes were observed in the lungs, liver, kidneys, or lymph nodes.
Conclusion
The Lut-Gd complex demonstrated superior efficacy compared with Lut in reducing scratching behavior and cutaneous pathological changes, while showing no adverse effects on major vital organs, indicating a favorable safety profile.
2.Correlation between stress, cortisol levels and Inflammatory biomarkers in adults with atopic dermatitis
Munkhchimeg Sh ; Suvd E ; Batdelger B ; Khuvutuguldur U ; Ankhtsetseg G ; Bodisanaa D ; Gereltsetseg Z ; Dugarmaa U
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;94(4):28-31
Background:
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory skin disorder in which immune dysregulation and skin barrier dysfunction play crucial roles, alongside neuroendocrine factors. Psychological stress influences the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, thereby altering cortisol secretion and inflammatory responses. However, the relationships among cortisol levels, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), psychological parameters, and disease severity remain insufficiently explored.
Aim:
To compare cortisol levels, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and psychological parameters between adults with atopic dermatitis and healthy controls.
Materials and Methods:
A case-control study was conducted including 12 patients with atopic dermatitis and 12 healthy controls. Serum cortisol levels and complete blood counts (for NLR calculation) were assessed. Psychological status was evaluated using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7). Disease severity was measured using the SCORAD index. Statistical analyses included group comparisons and correlation analyses.
Results:
Cortisol levels in the atopic dermatitis group were significantly lower than those in the control group (p<0.001). Cortisol levels showed a significant negative correlation with SCORAD scores (r = -0.65, p = 0.021) and GAD-7 scores (r=-0.56, p=0.036). A negative correlation was also observed between disease duration and cortisol levels (r=-0.53, p=0.075), although this did not reach statistical significance.
Conclusion
Dysregulation of the HPA axis in atopic dermatitis, reflected by reduced cortisol levels, may be associated with increased disease severity and psychological stress. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating psychological assessment into the comprehensive management of atopic dermatitis.
3.Efficacy of modern therapeutic approaches In scar management: a systematic review
Bilguun P ; Enkhtur Ya ; Dugarmaa U
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;94(4):107-111
Background:
Current scar treatment modalities, including silicone gel, corticosteroids, laser therapy, and surgical interventions, demonstrate certain clinical benefits; however, their ability to fully restore normal skin architecture remains limited. In recent years, novel regenerative approaches aimed at enhancing scar tissue repair have been increasingly investigated. Among these, autologous fat grafting (AFG) has emerged as a promising modality. AFG contains adiposederived stem cells (ADSCs), stromal vascular fraction (SVF), and various growth factors, which may improve scar quality by promoting angiogenesis, reducing inflammation, and regulating collagen remodeling.
Aim:
In Mongolia, there are few studies on the effectiveness and safety of AFG, ADSC, and SVF-based treatments for scars, so it is necessary to summarize international evidence.
Materials and Methods:
This systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive literature search was performed using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Of 902 identified studies, 27 met the inclusion criteria and were included for quality assessment and analysis to evaluate the therapeutic effects of AFG, ADSCs, and SVF in scar management.
Results:
Findings from the 27 included studies demonstrated that AFG, ADSC, and SVF-based therapies had overall beneficial effects on scar morphology, tissue structure, elasticity, pain, and functional outcomes. Various fat-processing techniques were utilized; however, in 15 studies, the Coleman technique was employed, with retrograde injection administered at the dermal-hypodermal junction. Of the included studies, 23 evaluated structural changes in scars and reported improvements in scar color, thickness, elasticity, and contour. Six studies assessing symptoms demonstrated reductions in pain and pruritus, while six studies reported improvements in functional impairment. Histological evaluation in 6 studies revealed improved collagen organization, increased angiogenesis, and reduced fibrosis. Additionally, 3 studies combining AFG with adjunctive therapies such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP), SVF, and fractional laser reported superior outcomes, although results varied depending on scar type, technique, and evaluation methods.
Conclusion
AFG, ADSC, and SVF therapies promote scar tissue regeneration by enhancing angiogenesis, accelerating collagen remodeling, and reducing fibrosis. These effects contribute to improved elasticity, functional recovery, and overall quality of life in patients. Therefore, these approaches represent a promising novel strategy for scar management in Mongolia and warrant standardization and integration into clinical practice.
4.Effects of the Luteolin-gadolinium complex on C48/80-induced inflammatory responses in HMC-1 mast cells
Surui A ; ; Enkhtur Y ; Dugarmaa U
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;97(7):83-87
Background:
Mast cell activation and the release of inflammatory mediators play central roles in the pathogenesis of urticaria. Luteolin possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties, whereas the luteolin-gadolinium complex (Lut-Gd) has demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity in macrophage models. However, the effects of Lut-Gd on mast cell activation remain unclear.
Aim:
To evaluate the effects of Lut-Gd on cell viability, cytotoxicity, and inflammatory mediator release in Compound 48/80 (C48/80)-stimulated HMC-1 cells.
Materials and Methods:
HMC-1 cells were stimulated with C48/80 and treated with either luteolin or Lut-Gd. Cell viability and membrane integrity were assessed using CCK-8 and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assays, respectively. Histamine, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α concentrations in culture supernatants were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
Results:
At the concentrations selected for subsequent experiments, C48/80 (10 μg/mL), luteolin (2.5 μg/mL), and Lut-Gd (10 μg/mL) did not induce significant cytotoxicity. C48/80 stimulation significantly increased the release of histamine, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α from HMC-1 cells. Treatment with either luteolin or Lut-Gd significantly reduced the levels of these inflammatory mediators (p < 0.05).
Conclusion
Lut-Gd suppressed C48/80-induced release of histamine and inflammatory cytokines from HMC-1 cells without inducing significant cytotoxicity, supporting its potential anti-inflammatory activity in mast cell-mediated inflammation.
5.Results of Using Mineral Spray in children 2-16 years of age with Atopic Dermatitis
Minjinsuvd B ; Enkhtur Ya ; Dugarmaa U
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;88(4):42-46
Background:
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common chronic and relapsing inflammatory skin disease in young children,
clinically characterized by pruritus and skin rashes. Epidemiological studies have reported that AD affects 5–30% of
children and 1-10% of adults worldwide. In recent years, the use of mineral waters for the treatment of chronic skin conditions has become increasingly popular globally. Although mineral waters, particularly from Shargaljuut springs, have
been traditionally used in Mongolia for various dermatological conditions, no studies have been conducted on their use in atopic dermatitis, providing the rationale for this study
Aim:
To evaluate the result of Shargaljuut mineral spray on disease severity, pruritus intensity, and selected physiological
parameters of the skin in children with atopic dermatitis.
Materials and Methods:
This clinical trial study with a placebo-controlled group included children aged 2-16 years with
AD. The participants were treated with Shargaljuut spray and the clinical assessment was conducted before and after the
treatment, evaluating severity using SCORAD (Severity Scoring of Atopic Dermatitis), itching intensity using VAS (Visual Analog Scale), skin hydration (SCH) and transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
Results:
Among all participants, 81.7% (n=49) had mild atopic dermatitis based on SCORAD scores, and 18.3% (n=11)
had moderate severity. According to the VAS scores, 40% (n=24) of the participants reported mild pruritus. Skin hydration
was found to be severely decreased in 96.7% (n=58) of the cases, while TEWL values were within normal limits in 76.7%
(n=46). Statistically significant differences were observed between the experimental and control groups at day 30 in terms
of disease severity and pruritus intensity, as well as in certain skin physiological parameters (p=0.001, p=0.002). Within
the experimental group, statistically significant differences were also detected in disease severity (p=0.001), pruritus intensity (p=0.002), skin hydration (p=0.002), and TEWL (p=0.001) between baseline, day 15, and day 30. A correlation
was found between transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and skin hydration (r=0.566, p=0.0001).
Conclusions
1. Among the children with atopic dermatitis (AD) included in the study, 81.7% (n=49) had a mild severity score
according to SCORAD, 40% (n=24) had mild itching intensity based on the VAS assessment, 96.7% (n=58) had
excessively dry skin, and 76.7% (n=46) showed good transepidermal water loss (TEWL) levels.
2. In the experimental group, comparisons of disease severity, itching intensity, skin hydration, and TEWL levels before and after the use of the Shargaljuut spring water spray revealed that skin hydration increased, TEWL decreased,
and both disease severity and itching intensity were reduced following treatment
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